The Almighty Dominance

One hour later, Alex and Josephine stepped onto the rooftop lounge.

The city stretched out around them, glittering like spilled diamonds.

The place was sleek, stylish-soft music in the air, groups of friends sipping drinks, laughing, pretending to live in a dream.

"Josephine! Over here!"

A man shot to his feet the moment they entered, waving with far too much eagerness.

His eyes clung to Josephine like a starving dog to a bone, the kind of hunger so raw it made everyone in the lounge turn and notice.

Alex traced the sound through the crowd, his gaze sharp, weighing each face.

Then one figure cut through the noise of strangers, impossible to ignore-she glowed like a peacock flaunting its feathers in full display.

She was stunning.

Youthful, delicate, her oval face shaped like fine porcelain, her features so refined they seemed sculpted by careful hands.

She wore innocence like a crown, polished and flawless, a purity so perfect it almost blinded.

One glance from her could hook a man's soul and drag him under.

But Alex wasn't fooled. He saw the truth flicker in her eyes.

The sweetness was nothing but a mask, a role she had mastered long ago. She didn't just attract attention-she hunted it, fed on it, lived for it.

Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many.

But not the few who know where to look.

"Sorry we're late," Josephine said brightly, though her body stiffened under the stares.

She plastered on a smile, forcing warmth where discomfort hid. Then, with deliberate boldness, she hooked her arm through Alex's.

"Everyone, this is Alex." Her lips curved into a mischievous grin. "My boyfriend."

The word dropped like a stone in a glass pond. Silence rippled across the group. Several men's faces twisted, their eyes hard with envy, hostility flickering like flames.

Josephine ignored them. She tugged Alex forward, guiding him straight to the radiant girl.

Her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "That's Giselle. She grew up with me in the orphanage, but a wealthy family adopted her. Even back then, she was too beautiful to be ignored."

Facing the girl, Josephine's smile widened. "Alex, this is Giselle Laurent. The country's rising star. Millions already adore her."

"Jo, don't exaggerate." Giselle pouted, feigning humility. "I'm just a beginner. Still a long way from fame."

an arm over her

unearthly. As a newcomer, you've already taken

before you rise even higher-you'll be a star faster than anyone dares

my supporter, Jo. My bestie since we were kids!" Giselle hugged her

an outsider here? This place is reserved for people close to

cut in, her lips curling with

some obsessed fan who starts snapping pictures and splashes them all over social media? One slip like that could wreck

crack in her smile. "If he's Josephine's

don't. He doesn't belong

boyfriend fights

A thug? A bodyguard? Fighting means nothing today. Wealth. Connections.

was sharp, his resentment plain

had once set his sights on Giselle, but she soared too high, always

just as angelic,

had chased her for years, only to be shut

openly claim another man

stranger doesn't fit in. Giselle's too kind

a soft heart," another

the street, she'd treat it like gold. Maybe that's all this man is-a mutt she dragged in A

of the men were already glaring at Alex,

and narrowed eyes

in quickly, her tone sharp but smooth, desperate

all here, let Giselle sing

Even they knew better than to push further when

to risk being cast out of her circle. Reluctantly, they pulled back, forcing fake smiles

sing," one man said, sucking up fast.

us waiting," another called out, voice dripping

cheers spread, and Giselle stepped forward with a soft smile. "Alright,

stage, the rooftop lights catching her flawless

every corner of the lounge. Even strangers-powerful-looking VIPs nursing

stealing the spotlight," one of them

Giselle stood beneath the

who had a drink in him leaned forward, eyes hungry. And when she

so pure, so entrancing, it froze the

the world, had to admit: this woman could

faded, the rooftop exploded in

cheered, and clapped until

a man swaggered onto the stage, his cheap cologne and

"Lucky night

with him. You'll get

faltered. "I'm sorry, I

"Come on, sweetheart. You're just a singer. Everyone's got a price. Name